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Food Equality Initiative Inc

EIN 47-2377396 · Lenexa, KS

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthWeak48 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

Food Equality Initiative fights for nutrition security and health equity for all.

Income
$239,114
Spending
$306,340
Spent on programs
52%
Reserves
3.3 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 100%
Employees
3
Volunteers
10
Highest pay
$90,000, ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Weak: 48 out of 100. Higher than 14% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, under $250k).

  • Reserves

    20 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 3.3 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 2% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    0 of 15

    Spending exceeded income by 28% of income.

  • Income trend

    0 of 15

    Income fell 31% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    52% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 37 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 93% of charities in its peer group (food and agriculture, under $250k).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    9 of 9 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (3)
  1. $111,685 spent. Food is Medicine Home Program (Signature Program) Food Equality Initiative's (FEI) Food is Medicine Home Program remains the cornerstone of its mission to bridge the gap between health and food access. Through this home delivery model, FEI provides culturally appropriate and medically-tailored groceries directly to households managing chronic health conditions and dietary restrictions. In 2024, FEI delivered 9,298 pounds of safe, nutritious food-enough for 7,748 meals-to 124 households. By partnering with the Kansas City Food Hub and purchasing directly from local growers, FEI not only ensured a steady supply of nutrient-dense, farm-fresh produce but also strengthened the local food economy. This model reduces barriers such as transportation and mobility limitations while upholding dignity, choice, and access to high-quality foods that support better health outcomes.
  2. $31,910 spent. Nutrition Education Beyond food access, FEI is dedicated to equipping families with the knowledge and tools to make the most of their food resources. Through practical nutrition education initiatives, participants learn how to prepare meals that align with their health needs and cultural preferences, making healthy eating both accessible and sustainable. These educational efforts help individuals manage chronic conditions more effectively, improve overall dietary quality, and foster greater food confidence in their households. By pairing nutrition education with direct food access, FEI reinforces the long-term impact of its Food is Medicine approach, helping families build healthier habits that last.
  3. $15,955 spent. Research & Awareness In 2024, FEI deepened its commitment to understanding and addressing the root causes of food insecurity through community-driven research and awareness efforts. The organization initiated participatory research to engage residents in shaping more responsive, inclusive food programs that reflect lived experiences and community priorities. These insights guide FEI's advocacy and program development, ensuring its strategies are grounded in real-world needs. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, local farmers, and funders, FEI amplified awareness of the critical link between food access and health equity; continuing to influence systems change in Kansas City and beyond.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 30, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 10, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since December 2014.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated September 7, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 7, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.